Australia’s favourite outdoor performance precinct will soon open its heavenly gates at Rundle Park (Kadlitpina), for its most extraordinary season yet, featuring world-class magic, comedy, circus, cabaret, music and family fun, giving loved ones the perfect place to celebrate the Valentine’s Day weekend.
With an extended Adelaide Fringe season, opening one week earlier, arts lovers have even more opportunity to watch more than 80 dazzling shows, including 20 World and Australian premieres and 18 award-winning Garden debuts. Alongside these, audiences can look forward to the return of many beloved favourites and internationally renowned acts. With a commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, the 2025 season also boasts an abundance of free entertainment and programming designed to welcome audiences from all walks of life.
Get out the diary and get ready to mark some dates, because these are shows you won’t want to miss in the opening weeks of the Fringe, with some holding just limited seasons.
Comedy fans can enjoy the biggest lineup of world-class comedians at the Adelaide Fringe, with performances by stars like Ross Noble, Dave Hughes and Lawrence Mooney kicking off from the second week, Tommy Little’s season running until March 2, while comedy fans only have the first week to watch Andrew Hansen, Mel Buttle and Geraldine Hickey. Audiences can also enjoy comedy greats including Ruby Wax, Stephen K Amos, Sammy J, Arj Barker, Peter Rowsthorn and Effie later in the season.
Opening the second week is internationally acclaimed Sh!t-faced Shakespeare with a hilarious (and tipsy!) rendition of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Music lovers should not miss Zooma Zooma on opening weekend. This show promises high-energy gangster jazz tribute celebrating the music of Italian-American entertainer, Louis Prima.
For families, The Farmy Farm has jaw-dropping acrobatics on tall towers of hay, giant juggling carrots, fair dinkum high-flying farmers and loads of laughs for everyone. Another family show is Tahir – The World’s Best Worst Magician, opening in the second week, an acclaimed comedian known for his hilarious antics.
Some other shows running the entire season but expected to sell-out include the world premiere of La Ronde, an intoxicating mix of cabaret, circus and acrobats with amazing performers from around the world, along with the globally celebrated return of LIMBO – The Return.
Delve into some fabulous immersive experiences including the world premiere of Dream State, an enchanting interactive journey through light, sound and projection, and INVISIBLE, an Australian premiere offering a thrilling ASMR experience inside a shipping container, where audiences explore what it means to be truly present.
And food lovers can enjoy a sumptuous pre-show dinner at Africola Canteen’s brand new on site restaurant The Flamin’ Galah.
Michelle Buxton, Co-Director of The Garden of Unearthly Delights, shared her enthusiasm for the unmissable season.
“We could not be more excited to open the 2025 season of The Garden, with so many incredible shows in the opening weeks. With so many incredible new works and experiences on offer this season, Gardeners are sure to be captivated, entertained and inspired from the moment they step through the gates. We are delighted to present some of our greatest shows during the afternoon on Fridays – perfect for people who want to avoid the peak times in The Garden. The Garden truly is heaven on earth, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back for another unforgettable year.”
The full program for the Garden of Unearthly Delights can be found here: What’s On | The Garden of Unearthly Delights
Tickets to The Garden of Unearthly Delights can be purchased online: gardenofunearthlydelights.com.au and adelaidefringe.com.au
